‘Heartbroken by the loss’: El Paso breaks record for 2nd straight day; 24 new virus stars announced


EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – The El Paso Department of Public Health on Friday reported 24 coronavirus-related deaths – the highest one-day increase the province has experienced.

The death toll now stands at 354. There have been 63 reported deaths reported so far this week, which is also a record. The previous record of 48 deaths was set two weeks ago.

All but two victims had underlying health conditions. They were identified as:

· 3 men in their 50s

· 3 men in their 60s

· 1 woman in her 60s

· 3 men in their 70s

· 1 woman in her 70s

· 4 men in their 80s

· 1 man in the 80s (no underlying circumstances)

· 2 females in the 80s

· 3 men in their 90s

· 1 man in the 90s (no underlying circumstances)

· 2 females in their 90s

Local officials have said several times that the deaths they report usually do not happen on the same day, but rather over the span of recent weeks.

Officials said deaths are being reported at the same time because they are receiving death information at about the same time.

“We are overwhelmed by the loss of loved ones in our community, and there are no words to express the grief we feel for each of the families,” said El Paso’s health authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza. “The continued presence of COVID-19 should motivate us all to strictly adhere to our ongoing echo, which encourages everyone to limit your interactions, to exercise social distance.”

The health department also announced 254 new cases. That brings the total number of confirmed cases to 17,632. There have now been more than 13,000 reported repairs.

There are currently 4,173 known active cases.

Hospitalizations decreased from 194 to 183. There are 56 patients in the ICU, which is 13 fewer than the day before. There are 37 patients on ventilators.

Click here for a full view of the Covid-19 data from the health department.